Nigerian troops rescue kidnap victims, kill Daesh-linked fighters in multi-state operations

Nigerian troops rescued seven kidnapped victims, killed suspected Daesh-linked fighters and arrested several suspects during coordinated operations across Borno, Yobe, Benue and Rivers states. Security forces also recovered weapons, destroyed an illegal oil refining site and safely detonated an improvised explosive device, preventing further attacks

Nigerian security forces have rescued seven kidnapped victims, killed suspected Daesh-linked terrorists and arrested several others during coordinated military operations across Borno, Yobe, Benue, Plateau and Rivers states.
The operations, carried out under different military campaigns, targeted terrorist hideouts, kidnapping gangs and oil theft networks as part of ongoing efforts to improve security across the country.
Military authorities said the latest offensives also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other items believed to have been used by criminal groups.

TROOPS RESCUE WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Under Operation Hadin Kai, troops operating in Borno State rescued two women and two children who escaped from a Daesh enclave in the Agapalawa area of the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a woman and her child, believed to be relatives of a Daesh fighter, also surrendered to troops after fleeing the Gobara enclave in the Sambisa Forest.
Military officials said the rescued victims are receiving care while security agencies continue to screen them.

SUSPECTED TERRORISTS ARRESTED

In separate operations conducted with the support of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), security forces arrested four suspected Daesh terrorists and collaborators in Gwoza, Gujba and Kukawa local government areas across Borno and neighbouring Yobe State.
One of the suspects reportedly confessed to spying on Nigerian troops during military clearance operations along the Baga–Cross Kauwa road and providing logistical support to the terrorist group.
The military said investigations are continuing to identify other members of the network.

TERROR ATTACK FOILED

Security forces also prevented suspected Daesh fighters from infiltrating Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly retreated after encountering military resistance.
A Nigerian Air Force aircraft later struck the fleeing suspects, killing one alleged terrorist, according to the report.
Elsewhere in Borno, troops discovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Maiduguri–Gamboru highway in Dikwa Local Government Area.
Officials said the operation prevented what could have been a deadly attack on civilians and motorists using the busy road.

KIDNAP VICTIMS FREED IN BENUE

In Benue State, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke, working alongside local hunters and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, rescued four kidnapped victims during clearance operations.
The operation also resulted in the deaths of two suspected kidnappers.
Security personnel later arrested five additional suspects during follow-up raids on criminal hideouts in Otukpo Local Government Area.

WEAPONS AND ILLEGAL OIL FACILITIES RECOVERED

During the operations, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, a pistol, 221 rounds of assorted ammunition, magazines, military camouflage uniforms and a point-of-sale (POS) terminal believed to have been used by the suspects.
In Rivers State, personnel under Operation Delta Safe dismantled an illegal oil refining site and seized equipment allegedly used for crude oil theft.
Troops also intercepted 15 jerrycans of smuggled petrol during the operation.

WHY THE OPERATIONS MATTER

The latest operations highlight Nigeria's continued efforts to tackle terrorism, kidnapping, organised crime and oil theft across different regions.
While military operations have recorded successes in rescuing victims and disrupting criminal networks, security experts say sustained intelligence gathering and cooperation with local communities remain essential to preventing future attacks.
Authorities say operations against terrorist groups and criminal gangs will continue as part of broader efforts to restore security and protect lives across the country.